Influences of lignin from paper mill sludge on soil properties and metal accumulation in wheat

The influences of lignin application on soil properties of three different soils, Jiangxi soil (Ultisol, Hapludult), Heilongjiang soil (Alfisol, Entioboralf) and Beijing soil (Alfisol, Haplustalf), and metal accumulation in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) were studied in a pot experiment. By lignin amendment, soil pH, organic matter (OM) and cation exchange capacity (CEC) increased, except for CEC in the Beijing soil. Analysis showed that available P and K in lignin-amended soils were also elevated, except for P in the Jiangxi soil. A three-step sequential extraction procedure proposed by the Standards, Measurements and Testing Programme (formerly BCR) of the European Commission was used to investigate the fraction redistribution of heavy metals in soils with lignin application. The fractions were specified as B1: water soluble, exchangeable and carbonate bound, and weakly adsorbed; B2: Fe-Mn oxide bound; and B3: organic matter and sulfide bound. Generally, the heavy metal content of the B2 fraction decreased whereas that of the B3 fraction increased. Lignin application to arable soils can not only improve plant growth in vitro, but also reduce the accumulation of the heavy metals Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, Cr and Ni in wheat plants.